At least 450 Atlanta families received free groceries and other supplies Friday afternoon, giving them one less worry during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Some families cannot afford groceries, so this is a good, positive thing for the neighborhood,” Danyell Vaughn told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I really appreciate it. It shows me that they care and we’re not forgotten about.”
Vaughn was among those who got a cardboard box filled with items to take home. Prepared meals and school supplies, as well as masks to help contain the spread of illness, were also available to those in the community.
“Everyone is out of work now,” Henry Richmond said. “We all still need to eat, so people helping is the only way.”
The Fulton County district attorney’s office joined forces with several community groups to sponsor the event, held at the Allen Hills Apartments off MLK Jr. Drive in Atlanta. Three prosecutors — Shari Jones, Brandon Pierre Thomas, and Terrell Thomas — led the DA’s office’s efforts in organizing the event, a spokesman said. The groups Take-Home Project, Building Adolescent Minds, Preservation Partners and Investors Academy also partnered for the giveaway.
In recent weeks, the groups have hosted similar events in other apartment communities facing economic challenges because of the COVID-19 crisis. Javan Wyche, who helped distribute items, said residents have been grateful for the help.
“I think the community really appreciates us being out here,” Wyche said. “I’ve seen children, from small kids to their grandparents, smiling, all being so thankful.”
» COMPLETE COVERAGE: CORONAVIRUS IN GEORGIA
The giveaway was initially scheduled for Thursday afternoon. But thanks to a generous, last-minute donation, organizers were able to feed approximately 300 additional families, the DA’s office said.
» Here are scenes from the ‘Grab and Go’ free groceries event at Allen Hills Apartments:
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